The state Wildlife Resources Commission is setting up a task force to look into the issues involved in the licensing of deer farming operations in North Carolina.
Commission executive director Gordon Myers said Friday the panel tabled proposed changes that would have expanded importation of deer and licensing of deer farming. Instead, the commission will establish the task with members from the state Department of Agriculture, hunting groups, public health and other groups.
The task force will report back to the commission in May.
The Humane Society of the United States praised the decision, saying deer farming operations increase the risk of disease, including the fatal, incurable chronic wasting disease. The disease has been found in 22 states.
North Carolina has a moratorium on farms for deer and other cervids.
Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
